Platinum Simulators Inc

What Platinum Simulators Inc does

Platinum Simulators Inc is a privately held, Carlsbad, California-based manufacturer of FAA-qualified Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) for professional pilot training, founded in 2015 and operating with a 1–10 person team. The company designs and builds three product lines: the Professional Helicopter Simulator (PHS), the Professional Airplane Simulator (PAS), and bespoke Custom Simulators that replicate 16+ specific rotorcraft airframes (Bell 407/212/412/430, Airbus EC120/130/135/145/H145, A109/A119, Robinson R22/R44/R66, Enstrom, Schweizer, BK 117, Bo 105, Cabri G2, S-76). Core technology centers on a patented motion cueing system, all-digital LCD instrument panels with no moving mechanical parts, a 240-degree 4K visual field with dual 75-inch LED side monitors, an airframe vibration system, and an Instructor Command Center (ICC) for fault injection; configuration control and locked flight-critical parameters ensure devices retain FAA qualification across a 20+ year operational life, with upgradeable avionics paths (Garmin GTN750/650, GNS430W/530W).

The company monetizes primarily through one-time, quote-based hardware sales — the PHS and PAS ship as mobile 18-foot trailer classrooms or fixed installations, both with one-year warranty and mandatory train-the-trainer sessions in Carlsbad. A recurring revenue layer comes from technical support, replacement parts, configuration management services that coordinate FAA LOA preservation, and approved upgrade pathways. Lease financing is offered at 5.9% APR over 60 months with a $1 buyout. The company positions devices as cash-flow positive for customers at ~$1/hour direct operating expense versus national average training rates of $75–$105/hour. Customers include flight schools, training organizations, professional helicopter and fixed-wing pilots, and public safety aviation units; Platinum reaches them via factory-direct sales from Carlsbad, a regional sales representative in Chile covering South America, and participation in HAI HELI-EXPO, VAI VERTICON, CIAM, APSCON, ALEA EXPO, and FlightSimExpo.

Founder-led with TJ Simpkins as CEO, the company claims 30+ years of flight simulation engineering experience in its leadership, but discloses no institutional investors, funding rounds, or named end-customer logos. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and revenue is not reported.

Name

Platinum Simulators Inc

Legal name

Platinum Simulators Inc

Website

https://platinumsimulators.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Platinum Simulators Inc designs and manufactures FAA-qualified Advanced Aviation Training Devices — Professional Helicopter, Professional Airplane, and Custom Simulators — sold to flight schools, training organizations, professional pilots, and public safety aviation units worldwide via factory-direct and Chilean regional channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training Equipment

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC), Racing & Flight Simulation Hardware (Wheels, Pedals, HOTAS) (HDACANAE)

Keywords

• Flight simulation equipment
• Aviation training devices
• FAA AATD simulators
• Helicopter flight simulators
• Airplane training devices

Headquarters

HQ city

Carlsbad

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Helicopter Simulator (PHS) Sales: Sale of FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) helicopter simulators. Devices are available as mobile 18' classroom units or for permanent installation. Includes 1-year warranty, technical support, and free train-the-trainer training at Carlsbad facility.
2. Professional Airplane Simulator (PAS) Sales: Sale of FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) airplane simulators. Devices include 5 airplane flight models with appropriate gauges, dual controls, and full avionics stack. Available with or without 18' mobile classroom trailer.
3. Custom Simulator Manufacturing: Bespoke simulator design and manufacturing for specific aircraft models including A109, A119, Bell 407 GX/GT, Bell 212/412/430, Bo 105, BK 117, Enstrom 480B-G, EC 120/130/135/145, Cabri G2, S-76. Matches controls, instrument panel, cockpit feel, and individual flight characteristics.
4. Technical Support & Parts: Ongoing technical support, replacement parts, and approved upgrade pathways designed to maintain device conformity. Support also offered for existing FLYIT simulator owners.
5. Configuration Management Services: Change evaluation for regulatory impact and coordination with FAA to prevent invalidation of Letters of Authorization (LOAs). Includes software updates and hardware upgrades maintaining FAA qualification.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Platinum Simulators designs, manufactures, and supports FAA-qualified Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) for professional helicopter and airplane pilot training. Its offering is organized into three product lines: the Professional Helicopter Simulator (PHS) with nine helicopter flight models, the Professional Airplane Simulator (PAS) with five airplane flight models, and Custom Simulators built to specific aircraft configurations across 16+ helicopter types. Each device is supplied as a turnkey system with an Instructor Command Center, FAA Letter of Authorization (LOA) for logging training credit, mandatory factory train-the-trainer instruction, and ongoing technical support, configuration management, and parts services.

Product overview

Platinum Simulators Inc manufactures FAA-qualified Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) comprising three product lines: the Professional Helicopter Simulator (PHS) and Professional Airplane Simulator (PAS) as the core standardized offerings, plus Custom Simulators for aircraft-specific configurations. The PHS is a two-seat helicopter simulator with 240-degree visual display, motion cueing, and nine pre-programmed flight models. The PAS is a computer-based airplane simulator with digital instrument panels and five flight models. Custom Simulators accommodate specific aircraft including various Bell, AgustaWestland, Airbus, and Robinson helicopters. All devices include an Instructor Command Center, Jeppesen navigation database, and support FAA logging credit per Letter of Authorization (LOA).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Professional Helicopter Simulator (PHS) Two-seat, side-by-side cockpit helicopter flight simulator qualified as an FAA Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), featuring dual controls, a 240-degree visual display, motion cueing, and nine pre-programmed aircraft flight models (Robinson R22/R44/R66, Schweizer 300, Enstrom 280FX/480, MD 500, Bell 206/Bell 407, AS350 B2). Designed for flight schools, training organizations, and professional helicopter pilots to log FAA-approved simulator hours and conduct IMC/IIMC/EP/CRM training under a documented Letter of Authorization.
• Professional Airplane Simulator (PAS) Computer-based fixed-wing flight simulator qualified as an FAA AATD, featuring digital instrument panels, dual controls, five airplane flight models (generic high-performance single/twin, Cessna 172/182, Piper Seneca III, Beech B58 Baron), a Jeppesen 25,000-airport navigation database, and a Bendix/King Gold Crown avionics stack with Garmin 430W. Designed for fixed-wing pilots and flight schools to conduct VFR/IFR training, approach practice, and proficiency checks under FAA Letter of Authorization.
• Custom Simulators Bespoke FAA-qualified helicopter flight simulators designed and manufactured to customer specifications for specific airframes, including A109, A119, Bell 407 GX/GT, Bell 212/412/430, Bo 105, BK 117, Enstrom 480B-G, EC 120/130/135/145, Cabri G2, and S-76. Matches controls, instrument panel layout, cockpit feel, and individual flight characteristics of the target aircraft for specialized training programs, public safety operators, and type-specific familiarization.

Quantifiable outcome

• Operating costs reduced to approximately $1/hour
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Martin Busquets S.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional sales representative covering Chile and broader South American markets for Platinum Simulators flight training devices. Located at Aerodromo de Chicureo, Santiago, Chile. Handles sales inquiries, customer relationships, and distribution coordination for the region.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global leader in civil aviation training and the largest maker of FFS/FTD devices for commercial airlines. CAE competes with Platinum in the aviation training-device market and is increasingly active in helicopter and business-aviation simulators — the same customer segments Platinum targets.
• FlightSafety International: World's largest commercial aviation training organization operating FTDs and FFSs. While focused on higher-fidelity full-flight simulators for airline and business aviation crews, it competes with Platinum for FAA-recognized training credit and large training organization budgets.
• TRU Simulation + Training (Textron): Textron-owned simulation business producing full-flight simulators and advanced training devices for helicopters, fixed-wing, and military platforms. Competes with Platinum for helicopter training programs (Bell, Airbus) and offers higher-fidelity devices that overlap Platinum's custom simulator line.

Emerging players

• FlyThisSim: Manufacturer of FAA-recognizable touchscreen-based flight training devices for general aviation. Competes at a lower price point with Platinum's PAS for entry-level flight schools and private-pilot training programs.
• Reiser Simulation and Training: German manufacturer of helicopter and fixed-wing full-flight simulators and training devices (H145, EC135, AW139, S-92). Adjacent peer competing for helicopter simulator programs that Platinum addresses through its Custom Simulator product line.
• Simnest Aviation: European manufacturer of helicopter and fixed-wing FNPT/AATD-grade training devices. A relevant emerging competitor addressing the same helicopter training segment as Platinum's PHS and Custom Simulator lines, particularly across European and CIS markets.

Direct peers

• Precision Flight Controls: Manufactures desktop trainers, cockpit replicas, and FAA-recognizable aviation training devices for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. Competes with Platinum at the entry-level professional training-device segment and supplies many of the same flight-school and university buyers.
• Frasca International: Long-standing US manufacturer of flight training devices and FTDs for general aviation, helicopter, and airline training. Directly comparable to Platinum as a mid-sized FAA-recognized AATD/FTD maker serving flight schools with similar product positioning and pricing.
• ELITE Simulation Solutions: Swiss/US manufacturer of IFR flight training devices, AATDs, and FTDs for general aviation and helicopter markets. Directly comparable to Platinum in product category, target buyer (flight schools and professional pilots), and FAA/EASA-recognized training credit positioning.
• Redbird Flight Simulations (Aerocraft Ventures): Provides FAA-approved AATDs, motion platforms, and full motion simulators primarily for fixed-wing flight training and STEM education. Directly comparable to Platinum's PAS line on FAA training credit, school-channel sales, and pricing for individual flight schools.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Platinum Simulators Inc